Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubbakar III, has urged Nigerians to always prioritise attitudinal change and demographic considerations while executing empowerment programmes in the country.
Abubakar made the call at the inauguration of an NGO, Sokoto Professional Network (SPN) endowment fund on Sunday in Sokoto.
The Sultan, who was represented by District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar-Jabbi, emphasised that previous governments made efforts on youths and women empowerment programmes with little or no impacts.
” After several skills aquisition trainings and distribution of working tools, items were mostly resold in the open markets by the beneficiaries who abandoned the business places.
”Much is needed in reshaping the mindsets of people to embrace productive living styles; this could be achieved through vigorous attitudinal change initiatives, ” he said.
He further urged professionals and other stakeholders to consider population upsurge, by promoting proper demographic plannings, best health habits and socioeconomic activities for meaningful population growth.
The traditional ruler counselled Nigerians to encourage nation-building in all forms, through viable contributions to the society.
He described SPN efforts as desirable and assured of the Sultanate Council’s supports toward facilitating even development in the state and nation at large.
The Chairman of SPN, Mr Zayyanu Tambari-Yabo, said the organisation would set a purposeful foundation to co-ordinate and execute laudable programmes and projects to complement the developmental efforts of the state government.
Tambari-Yabo said SPN was a voluntary and non-governmental organisation poised to collaborate with the government and other relevant agencies to develop the state.
” SPN is a network of professionals of Sokoto state origin working in the fields of science, technology, humanity, arts, and other public and private sector of the Nigerian economy.
” We plan to liaise with indigenes of like minds with a view to removing the state from shackles of under-development and poverty.
“SPN will bring together Sokoto professionals to enhance collaboration and cooperation among members and to create a strong platform to collaborate with the state government and other development agencies.”
He added that the association would also collaborate with relevant agencies to organize career talks in various schools, as a guide for students.
He said this would help to mold and shape their career choices for upcoming generations.
” SPN will also focus on the requirements needed by students and young graduates to build a successful career in different fields of human endeavour,” Tambari-Yabo said.
The Director-General, Nigeria Automotive Design and Development Commission (NADDC), Mr Jelani Aliyu, expressed delight with the new initiative unveiled by young professionals in the state.
Jelani said the coming together of young and talented professionals for a common course will be a yardstick for measuring the development of Sokoto state and the country at large.
“I want to see in the future the possibility of delivering medical supplies services by drones in hospitals and clinics around the country,” the NADDC DG said.
Gov. Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto state, who was represented by Alhaji Nasiru Dantsoho, donated a utility vehicle to the organisation and a plot of land to build a secretariat in the metropolis.
He said government wass willing to partner with any organisation, association, or group in the state. (NAN)
